Juventus put five past NEC Nijmegen in Europa League opener

Juventus defeated NEC Nijmegen 5-0 at Allianz Stadium on Thursday, with the home side 3-0 ahead at half-time. In the supplied league-stage table, Juventus are listed 19th and NEC 23rd, with both teams on 0 points.

How it happened

Nicolás Iván Gonzalez opened the scoring in the ninth minute, with Kamil Grabara credited with the assist. Kerim Alajbegovic made it 2-0 in the 24th minute after Weston McKennie’s pass, before Nick Woltemade converted a penalty in the 35th. Juventus added two late goals: Zeki Çelik finished in the 75th minute from Randal Kolo Muani’s assist, and Kolo Muani scored himself seven minutes later after Jhon Lucumi supplied the final pass.

The numbers

Juventus produced 7 shots on goal from 11 attempts, compared with NEC’s 3 on target from the same total of 11 shots. NEC had more possession, 52% to 48%, and completed 493 passes to Juventus’ 444, but Juventus committed only 9 fouls against 19 by the visitors. The home side also recorded 9 shots inside the box, while NEC had 5.

Who decided it

Kerim-Sam Alajbegović was Juventus’ highest-rated player, receiving an 8.1 rating after 71 minutes, one goal and one shot on target. N. González also scored and rated 8.0 in 61 minutes, while J. Lucumí played all 90 minutes, delivered one assist and made two key passes. Z. Çelik completed the top-rated group with a 7.8 rating and one goal.

Why it matters

The result puts Juventus and NEC level on 0 points in the stated table, while league leader Sparta Praha has 3 points. Both sides therefore trail Sparta Praha by 3 points, with Juventus ranked 19th and NEC Nijmegen 23rd after League Stage - 1.